Actor Clarence Gilyard Jr., who was best known for his work in TV series like "Walker, Texas Ranger" and "Matlock" and movies including "Die Hard" and "Top Gun," has died. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas's College of Fine Arts announced his death on Nov. 29; Gilyard was a professor there. Gilyard was 66.
Gilyard was born in Washington State in 1955. His first film role was as Sundown in "Top Gun" in 1986. He was a breakout star of 1989's "Die Hard," playing Theo, the tech specialist for the late Alan Rickman's villainous Hans Gruber. Then, he appeared on "Matlock" from 1989 to 1993, which he followed up with a role on "Walker, Texas Ranger" until 2001.
According to the university's website, after his time on "Walker, Texas Ranger" ended, he took a sabbatical to get his MFA in theater performance. He eventually taught acting at UNLV while continuing to act, including on stage.
UNLV film chair Heather Addison said in a statement, "Professor Gilyard was a beacon of light and strength for everyone around him at UNLV. Whenever we asked him how he was, he would cheerfully declare that he was 'Blessed!' But we are truly the ones who were blessed to be his colleagues and students for so many years. We love you and will miss you dearly, Professor G!"
